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- Glasbey, JC, et al.
(author)
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- 2021
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swepub:Mat__t
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- Kehoe, Laura, et al.
(author)
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Make EU trade with Brazil sustainable
- 2019
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In: Science. - : American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). - 0036-8075 .- 1095-9203. ; 364:6438, s. 341-
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Journal article (other academic/artistic)
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12. |
- Defferrari, R., et al.
(author)
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Influence of segmental chromosome abnormalities on survival in children over the age of 12 months with unresectable localised peripheral neuroblastic tumours without MYCN amplification
- 2015
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In: British Journal of Cancer. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0007-0920 .- 1532-1827. ; 112:2, s. 290-295
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: The prognostic impact of segmental chromosome alterations (SCAs) in children older than 1 year, diagnosed with localised unresectable neuroblastoma (NB) without MYCN amplification enrolled in the European Unresectable Neuroblastoma (EUNB) protocol is still to be clarified, while, for other group of patients, the presence of SCAs is associated with poor prognosis. Methods: To understand the role of SCAs we performed multilocus/pangenomic analysis of 98 tumour samples from patients enrolled in the EUNB protocol. Results: Age at diagnosis was categorised into two groups using 18 months as the age cutoff. Significant difference in the presence of SCAs was seen in tumours of patients between 12 and 18 months and over 18 months of age at diagnosis, respectively (P = 0.04). A significant correlation (P = 0.03) was observed between number of SCAs per tumour and age. Event-free (EFS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated in both age groups, according to both the presence and number of SCAs. In older patients, a poorer survival was associated with the presence of SCAs (EFS = 46% vs 75%, P = 0.023; OS = 66.8% vs 100%, P = 0.003). Moreover, OS of older patients inversely correlated with number of SCAs (P = 0.002). Finally, SCAs provided additional prognostic information beyond histoprognosis, as their presence was associated with poorer OS in patients over 18 months with unfavourable International Neuroblastoma Pathology Classification (INPC) histopathology (P = 0.018). Conclusions: The presence of SCAs is a negative prognostic marker that impairs outcome of patients over the age of 18 months with localised unresectable NB without MYCN amplification, especially when more than one SCA is present. Moreover, in older patients with unfavourable INPC tumour histoprognosis, the presence of SCAs significantly affects OS.
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- Lyons, A, et al.
(author)
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Outcomes of etravirine-based antiretroviral treatment in treatment-experienced children and adolescents living with HIV in Europe and Thailand
- 2022
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In: Antiviral therapy. - : SAGE Publications. - 2040-2058 .- 1359-6535. ; 27:3, s. 13596535221092182-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Etravirine (ETR) is approved as a component of second or third-line antiretroviral treatment (ART) for children living with HIV. We assessed the outcomes of ETR-based ART in children in routine care in Europe and Thailand. Methods Data on children aged <18 years at ETR start were pooled from 17 observational cohorts. Characteristics at ETR start, immunological and virological outcomes at 12 months, discontinuations, adverse events (AEs) and serious adverse events (SAEs) were described. Follow-up was censored at ETR discontinuation, death or last visit. Results 177 children ever received ETR. At ETR start, median [IQR] age was 15 [12,16] years, CD4 count 480 [287, 713] cells/mm3, 70% had exposure to ≥3 ART classes and 20% had viral load (VL) <50 copies/mL. 95% received ETR in combination with ≥1 potent drug class, mostly protease inhibitor-based regimens. Median time on ETR was 24 [7, 48] months. Amongst those on ETR at 12 months ( n=141), 69% had VL<50 copies/mL. Median CD4 increase since ETR start ( n=83) was 147 [16, 267] cells/mm3. Overall, 81 (46%) discontinued ETR by last follow-up. Median time to discontinuation was 23 [8, 47] months. Common reasons for discontinuation were treatment simplification (19%), treatment failure (16%) and toxicity (12%). Eight children (5%) had AEs causally associated with ETR, all dermatological/hypersensitivity reactions. Two were SAEs, both Stevens–Johnson Syndrome in children on regimens containing ETR and darunavir and were causally related to either drugs; both resolved following ART discontinuation. Conclusion Children receiving ETR were predominantly highly treatment-experienced, over two-thirds were virally suppressed at 12 months.
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15. |
- Ambros, I. M., et al.
(author)
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Age Dependency of the Prognostic Impact of Tumor Genomics in Localized Resectable MYCN-Nonamplified Neuroblastomas. Report From the SIOPEN Biology Group on the LNESG Trials and a COG Validation Group
- 2020
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In: Journal of Clinical Oncology. - : American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). - 0732-183X .- 1527-7755. ; 38:31
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- PURPOSEFor localized, resectable neuroblastoma without MYCN amplification, surgery only is recommended even if incomplete. However, it is not known whether the genomic background of these tumors may influence outcome.PATIENTS AND METHODSDiagnostic samples were obtained from 317 tumors, International Neuroblastoma Staging System stages 1/2A/2B, from 3 cohorts: Localized Neuroblastoma European Study Group I/II and Children's Oncology Group. Genomic data were analyzed using multi- and pangenomic techniques and fluorescence in-situ hybridization in 2 age groups (cutoff age, 18 months) and were quality controlled by the International Society of Pediatric Oncology European Neuroblastoma (SIOPEN) Biology Group.RESULTSPatients with stage 1 tumors had an excellent outcome (5-year event-free survival [EFS] standard deviation [SD], 95% +/- 2%; 5-year overall survival [OS], 99% +/- 1%). In contrast, patients with stage 2 tumors had a reduced EFS in both age groups (5-year EFS +/- SD, 84% +/- 3% in patients < 18 months of age and 75% 7% in patients >= 18 months of age). However, OS was significantly decreased only in the latter group (5-year OS +/- SD in < 18months and 18months, 96% +/- 2% and 81% +/- 7%, respectively; P = .001). In < 18months, relapses occurred independent of segmental chromosome aberrations (SCAs); only 1p loss decreased EFS (5-year EFS SD in patients 1p loss and no 1p loss, 62% +/- 13% and 87% +/- 3%, respectively; P = .019) but not OS (5-year OS +/- SD, 92% +/- 8% and 97% +/- 2%, respectively). In patients >= 18 months, only SCAs led to relapse and death, with 11q loss as the strongest marker (11q loss and no 11q loss: 5-year EFS +/- SD, 48% +/- 16% and 85% +/- 7%, P = .033; 5-year OS +/- SD, 46% +/- 22% and 92% +/- 6%, P = .038).CONCLUSIONGenomic aberrations of resectable non-MYCN-amplified stage 2 neuroblastomas have a distinct age-dependent prognostic impact. Chromosome 1p loss is a risk factor for relapse but not for diminished OS in patients < 18 months, SCAs (especially 11q loss) are risk factors for reduced EFS and OS in those > 18months. In older patients with SCA, a randomized trial of postoperative chemotherapy compared with observation alone may be indicated.
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- Berbegall, A. P., et al.
(author)
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Comparative genetic study of intratumoral heterogenous MYCN amplified neuroblastoma versus aggressive genetic profile neuroblastic tumors
- 2016
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In: Oncogene. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0950-9232 .- 1476-5594. ; 35:11, s. 1423-1432
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Intratumoral heterogeneous MYCN amplification (hetMNA) is an unusual event in neuroblastoma with unascertained biological and clinical implications. Diagnosis is based on the detection of MYCN amplification surrounded by non-amplified tumor cells by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). To better define the genetic features of hetMNA tumors, we studied the Spanish cohort of neuroblastic tumors by FISH and single nucleotide polymorphism arrays. We compared hetMNA tumors with homogeneous MNA (homMNA) and nonMNA tumors with 11q deletion (nonMNA w11q-). Of 1091 primary tumors, 28 were hetMNA by FISH. Intratumoral heterogeneity of 1p, 2p, 11q and 17q was closely associated with hetMNA tumors when analyzing different pieces for each case. For chromosome 2, 16 cases showed 2p intact, 4 focal gain at 2p24.3 and 8 MNA. The lengths of the smallest regions of overlap (SROs) for 2p gains and 1p deletions were between the SRO lengths observed in homMNA and nonMNA w11q- tumors. Co-occurrence of 11q- and +17q was frequently found with the largest SROs for both aberrations. The evidence for and frequency of different genetic subpopulations representing a hallmark of the hetMNA subgroup of NB indicates, on one hand, the presence of a considerable genetic instability with different SRO of either gains and losses compared with those of the other NB groups and highlights and, on the other hand, the need for multiple sampling from distant and macroscopically and microscopically distinct tumor areas. Narrowing down the different SRO for both deletions and gains in NB groups would be crucial to pinpointing the candidate gene(s) and the critical gene dosage with prognostic and therapeutic significance. This complexity of segmental chromosomal aberration patterns reinforces the necessity for a larger cohort study using FISH and pangenomic techniques to develop a suitable therapeutic strategy for these patients.
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27. |
- Berbegall, A. P., et al.
(author)
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Neuroblastoma after childhood: prognostic relevance of segmental chromosome aberrations, ATRX protein status, and immune cell infiltration
- 2014
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In: Neoplasia. - : Elsevier BV. - 1522-8002 .- 1476-5586. ; 16:6, s. 471-480
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Neuroblastoma (NB) is a common malignancy in children but rarely occurs during adolescence or adulthood. This subgroup is characterized by an indolent disease course, almost uniformly fatal, yet little is known about the biologic characteristics. The aim of this study was to identify differential features regarding DNA copy number alterations, α-thalassemia/mental retardation syndrome X-linked (ATRX) protein expression, and the presence of tumor-associated inflammatory cells. Thirty-one NB patients older than 10 years who were included in the Spanish NB Registry were considered for the current study; seven young and middle-aged adult patients (range 18-60 years) formed part of the cohort. We performed single nucleotide polymorphism arrays, immunohistochemistry for immune markers (CD4, CD8, CD20, CD11b, CD11c, and CD68), and ATRX protein expression. Assorted genetic profiles were found with a predominant presence of a segmental chromosome aberration (SCA) profile. Preadolescent and adolescent NB tumors showed a higher number of SCA, including 17q gain and 11q deletion. There was also a marked infiltration of immune cells, mainly high and heterogeneous, in young and middle-aged adult tumors. ATRX negative expression was present in the tumors. The characteristics of preadolescent, adolescent, young adult, and middle-aged adult NB tumors are different, not only from childhood NB tumors but also from each other. Similar examinations of a larger number of such tumor tissues from cooperative groups should lead to a better older age-dependent tumor pattern and to innovative, individual risk-adapted therapeutic approaches for these patients. Copyright © 2014 Neoplasia Press, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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28. |
- Braekeveldt, N., et al.
(author)
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Patient-Derived Xenograft Models Reveal Intratumor Heterogeneity and Temporal Stability in Neuroblastoma
- 2018
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In: Cancer Research. - 0008-5472. ; 78:20, s. 5958-5969
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Patient-derived xenografts (PDX) and the Avatar, a single PDX mirroring an individual patient, are emerging tools in preclinical cancer research. However, the consequences of intratumor heterogeneity for PDX modeling of biomarkers, target identification, and treatment decisions remain under-explored. In this study, we undertook serial passaging and comprehensive molecular analysis of neuroblastoma orthotopic PDXs, which revealed strong intrinsic genetic, transcriptional, and phenotypic stability for more than 2 years. The PDXs showed preserved neuroblastoma-associated gene signatures that correlated with poor clinical outcome in a large cohort of patients with neuroblastoma. Furthermore, we captured spatial intratumor heterogeneity using ten PDXs from a single high-risk patient tumor. We observed diverse growth rates, transcriptional, proteomic, and phosphoproteomic profiles. PDX-derived transcriptional profiles were associated with diverse clinical characteristics in patients with high-risk neuroblastoma. These data suggest that high-risk neuroblastoma contains elements of both temporal stability and spatial intratumor heterogeneity, the latter of which complicates clinical translation of personalized PDX-Avatar studies into preclinical cancer research. Significance: These findings underpin the complexity of PDX modeling as a means to advance translational applications against neuroblastoma. (C) 2018 AACR.
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29. |
- Gamble, LD, et al.
(author)
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A G316A Polymorphism in the Ornithine Decarboxylase Gene Promoter Modulates MYCN-Driven Childhood Neuroblastoma
- 2021
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In: Cancers. - : MDPI AG. - 2072-6694. ; 13:8
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Ornithine decarboxylase (ODC1), a critical regulatory enzyme in polyamine biosynthesis, is a direct transcriptional target of MYCN, amplification of which is a powerful marker of aggressive neuroblastoma. A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), G316A, within the first intron of ODC1, results in genotypes wildtype GG, and variants AG/AA. CRISPR-cas9 technology was used to investigate the effects of AG clones from wildtype MYCN-amplified SK-N-BE(2)-C cells and the effect of the SNP on MYCN binding, and promoter activity was investigated using EMSA and luciferase assays. AG clones exhibited decreased ODC1 expression, growth rates, and histone acetylation and increased sensitivity to ODC1 inhibition. MYCN was a stronger transcriptional regulator of the ODC1 promoter containing the G allele, and preferentially bound the G allele over the A. Two neuroblastoma cohorts were used to investigate the clinical impact of the SNP. In the study cohort, the minor AA genotype was associated with improved survival, while poor prognosis was associated with the GG genotype and AG/GG genotypes in MYCN-amplified and non-amplified patients, respectively. These effects were lost in the GWAS cohort. We have demonstrated that the ODC1 G316A polymorphism has functional significance in neuroblastoma and is subject to allele-specific regulation by the MYCN oncoprotein.
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30. |
- Mestdagh, P., et al.
(author)
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An integrative genomics screen uncovers ncRNA T-UCR functions in neuroblastoma tumours
- 2010
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In: Oncogene. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1476-5594 .- 0950-9232. ; 29:24, s. 3583-3592
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Different classes of non-coding RNAs, including microRNAs, have recently been implicated in the process of tumourigenesis. In this study, we examined the expression and putative functions of a novel class of non-coding RNAs known as transcribed ultraconserved regions (T-UCRs) in neuroblastoma. Genome-wide expression pro. ling revealed correlations between specific T-UCR expression levels and important clinicogenetic parameters such as MYCN amplification status. A functional genomics approach based on the integration of multi-level transcriptome data was adapted to gain insights into T-UCR functions. Assignments of T-UCRs to cellular processes such as TP53 response, differentiation and proliferation were verified using various cellular model systems. For the first time, our results de. ne a T-UCR expression landscape in neuroblastoma and suggest widespread T-UCR involvement in diverse cellular processes that are deregulated in the process of tumourigenesis. Oncogene (2010) 29, 3583-3592; doi:10.1038/onc.2010.106; published online 12 April 2010
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32. |
- Noguera-Salva, M. A., et al.
(author)
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Role of the C-terminal basic amino acids and the lipid anchor of the G gamma(2) protein in membrane interactions and cell localization
- 2017
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In: Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta-Biomembranes. - : Elsevier BV. - 0005-2736. ; 1859:9, s. 1536-1547
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Heterotrimeric G proteins are peripheral membrane proteins that frequently localize to the plasma membrane where their presence in molar excess over G protein coupled receptors permits signal amplification. Their distribution is regulated by protein-lipid interactions, which has a clear influence on their activity. G beta gamma dimer drives the interaction between G protein heterotrimers with cell membranes. We focused our study on the role of the C-terminal region of the G gamma(2) protein in G protein interactions with cell membranes. The G gamma(2) subunit is modified at cysteine (Cys) 68 by the addition of an isoprenyl lipid, which is followed by the proteolytic removal of the last three residues that leaves an isoprenylated and carboxyl methylated Cys-68 as the terminal amino acid. The role of Cys isoprenylation of the CAAX box has been defined for other proteins, yet the importance of proteolysis and carboxyl methylation of isoprenylated proteins is less clear. Here, we showed that not only geranylgeranylation but also proteolysis and carboxyl methylation are essential for the correct localization of G gamma(2) in the plasma membrane. Moreover, we showed the importance of electrostatic interactions between the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane and the positively charged C-terminal domain of the G gamma(2) subunit (amino acids Arg-62, Lys-64 and Lys-65) as a second signal to reach the plasma membrane. Indeed, single or multiple point mutations at G gamma(2) C-terminal amino acids have a significant effect on G gamma(2) protein-plasma membrane interactions and its localization to charged Ld (liquid disordered) membrane microdomains. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Membrane Lipid Therapy: Drugs Targeting Biomembranes edited by Pablo V. Escriba. (C) 2017 Published by Elsevier B.V.
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33. |
- Vicente-Serrano, S. M., et al.
(author)
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The complex multi-sectoral impacts of drought : Evidence from a mountainous basin in the Central Spanish Pyrenees
- 2021
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In: Science of the Total Environment. - : Elsevier BV. - 0048-9697. ; 769
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We analyzed the impacts of drought severity on a variety of sectors in a topographically complex basin (the upper Aragón basin 2181 km2) in the Central Spanish Pyrenees. Using diverse data sources including meteorological and hydrological observations, remote sensing and tree rings, we analyze the possible hydrological implications of drought occurrence and severity on water availability in various sectors, including downstream impacts on irrigation water supply for crop production. Results suggest varying responses in forest activity, secondary growth, plant phenology, and crop yield to drought impacts. Specifically, meteorological droughts have distinct impacts downstream, mainly due to water partitioning between streamflow and irrigation channels that transport water to crop producing areas. This implies that drought severity can extend beyond the physical boundaries of the basin, with impacts on crop productivity. This complex response to drought impacts makes it difficult to develop objective basin-scale operational definitions for monitoring drought severity. Moreover, given the high spatial variability in responses to drought across sectors, it is difficult to establish reliable drought thresholds from indices that are relevant across all socio-economic sectors. The anthropogenic impacts (e.g. water regulation projects, ecosystem services, land cover and land use changes) pose further challenges to assessing the response of different systems to drought severity. This study stresses the need to consider the seasonality of drought impacts and appropriate drought time scales to adequately assess and understand their complexity.
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36. |
- Ambros, Inge M, et al.
(author)
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A multilocus technique for risk evaluation of patients with neuroblastoma.
- 2011
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In: Clinical cancer research : an official journal of the American Association for Cancer Research. - 1078-0432. ; 17:4, s. 792-804
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Precise and comprehensive analysis of neuroblastoma genetics is essential for accurate risk evaluation and only pangenomic/multilocus approaches fulfill the present-day requirements. We present the establishment and validation of the PCR-based multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) technique for neuroblastoma.
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37. |
- Bogen, D., et al.
(author)
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The genetic tumor background is an important determinant for heterogeneous MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma
- 2016
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In: International Journal of Cancer. - : Wiley. - 0020-7136 .- 1097-0215. ; 139:1, s. 153-163
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Amplification of MYCN is the signature genetic aberration of 20-25% of neuroblastoma and a stratifying marker associated with aggressive tumor behavior. The detection of heterogeneous MYCN amplification (hetMNA) poses a diagnostic dilemma due to the uncertainty of its relevance to tumor behavior. Here, we aimed to shed light on the genomic background which permits hetMNA in neuroblastoma and tied the occurrence to other stratifying markers and disease outcome. We performed SNP analysis using Affymetrix Cytoscan HD arrays on 63 samples including constitutional DNA, tumor, bone marrow and relapse samples of 26 patients with confirmed hetMNA by MYCN-FISH. Tumors of patients 18m were mostly aneuploid with numeric chromosomal aberrations (NCAs), presented a prominent MNA subclone and carried none or a few segmental chromosomal aberrations (SCAs). In older patients, tumors were mostly di- or tetraploid, contained a lower number of MNA cells and displayed a multitude of SCAs including concomitant 11q deletions. These patients often suffered disease progression, tumor dissemination and relapse. Restricted to aneuploid tumors, we detected chromosomes with uniparental di- or trisomy (UPD/UPT) in almost every sample. UPD11 was exclusive to tumors of younger patients whereas older patients featured UPD14. In this study, the MNA subclone appears to be constraint by the tumor environment and thus less relevant for tumor behavior in aggressive tumors with a high genomic instability and many segmental aberrations. A more benign tumor background and lower tumor stage may favor an outgrowth of the MNA clone but tumors generally responded better to treatment. What's new?MYCN amplification (MNA) in neuroblastoma (NB) generally associates with an aggressive tumor behavior and detection of MNA leads to an automatic upstaging of the tumor in non-stage 1 tumors. But what if only a fraction of the tumor cells is MYCN-amplified? To investigate the diagnostic importance of heterogeneous MNA, the authors conducted a genetic analysis of samples from 26 NB patients with a particular focus on accompanying genetic aberrations. They concluded that tumor behavior is largely dependent on patient age and other chromosomal alterations in the genetic tumor background rather than the mere presence of the MNA clone.
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- Llacer, Toni, et al.
(author)
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AN AGENT-BASED MODEL OF TAX COMPLIANCE: AN APPLICATION TO THE SPANISH CASE
- 2013
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In: Advances in Complex Systems. - : World Scientific Publishing. - 0219-5259 .- 1793-6802. ; 16:04n05
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In this paper, we present a new agent-based model for the simulation of tax compliance and tax evasion behavior (SIMULFIS). The main novelties of the model are the introduction of a "behavioral filter approach" to model tax decisions, the combination of a set of different mechanisms to produce tax compliance (namely rational choice, normative commitments and social influence), and the use of the concept of "fraud opportunity use rate" (FOUR) as the main behavioral outcome. After describing the model in detail, we display the main behavioral and economic results of 1,920 simulations calibrated for the Spanish case and designed to test for the internal validity of SIMULFIS. The behavioral outcomes show that scenarios with strict rational agents strongly overestimate tax evasion, while the introduction of social influence and normative commitments allows to generate more plausible compliance levels under certain deterrence conditions. Interestingly, the relative effect of social influence is shown to be ambivalent: it optimizes compliance under low and middle deterrence conditions, but not when deterrence is made harder. Finally, SIMULFIS economic outcomes are broadly in line with theoretical expectations, thus supporting the reliability of the model.
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43. |
- Martinez-Monleon, Angela, et al.
(author)
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Amplification of CDK4 and MDM2: a detailed study of a high-risk neuroblastoma subgroup
- 2022
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In: Scientific Reports. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2045-2322. ; 12:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In neuroblastoma, MYCN amplification and 11q-deletion are important, although incomplete, markers of high-risk disease. It is therefore relevant to characterize additional alterations that can function as prognostic and/or predictive markers. Using SNP-microarrays, a group of neuroblastoma patients showing amplification of one or multiple 12q loci was identified. Two loci containing CDK4 and MDM2 were commonly co-amplified, although amplification of either locus in the absence of the other was observed. Pharmacological inhibition of CDK4/6 with ribociclib or abemaciclib decreased proliferation in a broad set of neuroblastoma cell lines, including CDK4/MDM2-amplified, whereas MDM2 inhibition by Nutlin-3a was only effective in p53(wild-type) cells. Combined CDK4/MDM2 targeting had an additive effect in p53(wild-type) cell lines, while no or negative additive effect was observed in p53(mutated) cells. Most 12q-amplified primary tumors were of abdominal origin, including those of intrarenal origin initially suspected of being Wilms' tumor. An atypical metastatic pattern was also observed with low degree of bone marrow involvement, favoring other sites such as the lungs. Here we present detailed biological data of an aggressive neuroblastoma subgroup hallmarked by 12q amplification and atypical clinical presentation for which our in vitro studies indicate that CDK4 and/or MDM2 inhibition also could be beneficial.
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45. |
- Noguera, José A., et al.
(author)
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Tax Compliance, Rational Choice, and Social Influence: An Agent-Based Model
- 2014
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In: Revue française de sociologie. - : Editions Ophrys. - 0035-2969 .- 1958-5691. ; Vol. 55:4, s. 765-804
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The study of tax behavior is a research field which attracts increasing interest in social and behavioral sciences. Rational choice models have been traditionally used to account for that behavior, but they face the puzzle of explaining levels of observed tax compliance which are much higher than expected. Several social influence mechanisms have been proposed in order to tackle this problem. In this article, we discuss the interdisciplinary literature on this topic, and we claim that agent-based models are a promising tool in order to test theories and hypothesise in this field. To illustrate that claim, we present SIMULFIS, an agent-based model for the simulation of tax compliance that allows to combine rational choice with social influence mechanisms in order to generate aggregated patterns of tax behavior. We present and discuss the results of a simple virtual experiment in order to show the potentialities of the model.
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46. |
- Siaw, Joachim T., et al.
(author)
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11q Deletion or ALK Activity Curbs DLG2 Expression to Maintain an Undifferentiated State in Neuroblastoma
- 2020
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In: Cell Reports. - : Elsevier BV. - 2211-1247. ; 32:12
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- High-risk neuroblastomas typically display an undifferentiated or poorly differentiated morphology. It is therefore vital to understand molecular mechanisms that block the differentiation process. We identify an important role for oncogenic ALK-ERK1/2-SP1 signaling in the maintenance of undifferentiated neural crest-derived progenitors through the repression of DLG2, a candidate tumor suppressor gene in neuroblastoma. DLG2 is expressed in the murine "bridge signature'' that represents the transcriptional transition state when neural crest cells or Schwann cell precursors differentiate to chromaffin cells of the adrenal gland. We show that the restoration of DLG2 expression spontaneously drives neuroblastoma cell differentiation, high-lighting the importance of DLG2 in this process. These findings are supported by genetic analyses of high-risk 11q deletion neuroblastomas, which identified genetic lesions in the DLG2 gene. Our data also suggest that further exploration of other bridge genes may help elucidate the mechanisms underlying the differentiation of NC-derived progenitors and their contribution to neuroblastomas.
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47. |
- Vesterbacka, J, et al.
(author)
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Richer gut microbiota with distinct metabolic profile in HIV infected Elite Controllers
- 2017
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In: Scientific reports. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2045-2322. ; 7:1, s. 6269-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Gut microbiota dysbiosis features progressive HIV infection and is a potential target for intervention. Herein, we explored the microbiome of 16 elite controllers (EC), 32 antiretroviral therapy naive progressors and 16 HIV negative controls. We found that the number of observed genera and richness indices in fecal microbiota were significantly higher in EC versus naive. Genera Succinivibrio, Sutterella, Rhizobium, Delftia, Anaerofilum and Oscillospira were more abundant in EC, whereas Blautia and Anaerostipes were depleted. Additionally, carbohydrate metabolism and secondary bile acid synthesis pathway related genes were less represented in EC. Conversely, fatty acid metabolism, PPAR-signalling and lipid biosynthesis proteins pathways were enriched in EC vs naive. The kynurenine pathway of tryptophan metabolism was altered during progressive HIV infection, and inversely associated with microbiota richness. In conclusion, EC have richer gut microbiota than untreated HIV patients, with unique bacterial signatures and a distinct metabolic profile which may contribute to control of HIV.
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48. |
- Vicente-Serrano, S. M., et al.
(author)
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A high-resolution spatial assessment of the impacts of drought variability on vegetation activity in Spain from 1981 to 2015
- 2019
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In: Natural Hazards and Earth System Sciences. - : Copernicus GmbH. - 1561-8633 .- 1684-9981. ; 19:6, s. 1189-1213
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Drought is a major driver of vegetation activity in Spain, with significant impacts on crop yield, forest growth, and the occurrence of forest fires. Nonetheless, the sensitivity of vegetation to drought conditions differs largely amongst vegetation types and climates. We used a high-resolution (1.1 km) spatial dataset of the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) for the whole of Spain spanning the period from 1981 to 2015, combined with a dataset of the standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI) to assess the sensitivity of vegetation types to drought across Spain. Specifically, this study explores the drought timescales at which vegetation activity shows its highest response to drought severity at different moments of the year. Results demonstrate that - over large areas of Spain - vegetation activity is controlled largely by the interannual variability of drought. More than 90% of the land areas exhibited statistically significant positive correlations between the NDVI and the SPEI during dry summers (JJA). Nevertheless, there are some considerable spatio-temporal variations, which can be linked to differences in land cover and aridity conditions. In comparison to other climatic regions across Spain, results indicate that vegetation types located in arid-regions showed the strongest response to drought. Importantly, this study stresses that the timescale at which drought is assessed is a dominant factor in understanding the different responses of vegetation activity to drought. RAMS MD, 1990, FOREST SCIENCE, V36, P970
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49. |
- Vicente-Serrano, S. M., et al.
(author)
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Increased Vegetation in Mountainous Headwaters Amplifies Water Stress During Dry Periods
- 2021
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In: Geophysical Research Letters. - 0094-8276. ; 48:18
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The dynamics of blue and green water partitioning under vegetation and climate change, as well as their different interactions during wet and dry periods, are poorly understood in the literature. We analyzed the impact of vegetation changes on blue water generation in a central Spanish Pyrenees basin undergoing intense afforestation. We found that vegetation change is a key driver of large decreases in blue water availability. The effect of vegetation increase is amplified during dry years, and mainly during the dry season, with streamflow reductions of more than 50%. This pattern can be attributed primarily to increased plant water consumption. Our findings highlight the importance of vegetation changes in reinforcing the decrease in water resource availability. With aridity expected to rise in southern Europe over the next few decades, interactions between climate and land management practices appear to be amplifying future hydrological drought risk in the region.
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- Vicente-Serrano, S. M., et al.
(author)
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Vegetation greening in Spain detected from long term data (1981-2015)
- 2020
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In: International Journal of Remote Sensing. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0143-1161 .- 1366-5901. ; 41:5, s. 1709-1740
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This study describes a newly developed high-resolution (1.1 km) Normalized Difference Vegetation Index dataset for the peninsular Spain and the Balearic Islands (Sp_1km_NDVI). This dataset is developed based on National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration–Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (NOAA–AVHRR) afternoon images, spanning the past three decades (1981–2015). After a careful pre-processing procedure, including calibration with post-launch calibration coefficients, geometric and topographic corrections, cloud removal, temporal filtering, and bi-weekly composites by maximum NDVI-value, we assessed changes in vegetation greening over the study domain using Mann-Kendall and Theil-Sen statistics. Our trend results were compared with those derived from some widely recognized global NDVI datasets [e.g. the Global Inventory Modelling and Mapping Studies 3rd generation (GIMMS3g), Smoothed NDVI (SMN) and Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS)]. Results demonstrate that there is a good agreement between the annual trends based on Sp_1km_NDVI product and other datasets. Nonetheless, we found some differences in the spatial patterns of the NDVI trends at the seasonal scale. Overall, in comparison to the available global NDVI datasets, Sp_1km_NDVI allows for characterizing changes in vegetation greening at a more-detailed spatial and temporal scale. In specific, our dataset provides relatively long-term corrected satellite time series (>30 years), which are crucial to understand the response of vegetation to climate change and human-induced activities. Also, given the complex spatial structure of NDVI changes over the study domain, particularly due to the rapid land intensification processes, the spatial resolution (1.1 km) of our dataset can provide detailed spatial information on the inter-annual variability of vegetation greening in this Mediterranean region and assess its links to climate change and variability.
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